Mickelson flourishes at Troon

July 16, 2016 12:10 am | Updated 12:10 am IST - Troon (UK):

Phil Mickelson.  Photo: Kevin C. Cox

Phil Mickelson. Photo: Kevin C. Cox

At 46, Phil Mickelson belongs to golf’s old guard compared to the game’s so-called ‘Big Four’ but he is putting them in the shade at Troon this week.

Mickelson's second-round 69 on Friday left him at 10 under par overall at the halfway stage of the British Open and left the rest of the field, including Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, playing catch-up.

After his stunning record-equalling first round of 63 on Thursday, Friday’s effort was less spectacular but it was still a demonstration of how to play the game in the rain and the wind.

And Mickelson admitted later that being older and wiser, but also fitter and healthier than he has been in a long time, is allowing him to flourish.

“I understand the age thing but the fact is that from 10 years ago when I was playing my best golf, I’m 25 pounds (11kg) lighter, I’m in better shape, I’m physically stronger than I was, I feel better and I’m starting to play some of my best golf again,” Mickelson said.

“I don’t see why I can’t continue that, not just this week but for years, and that’s kind of what the game plan is.”

Another advantage the American has is that he knows what at takes to win an Open in Scotland, having triumphed at Muirfield in 2013, and is more relaxed as a result.

“I don’t feel the pressure like probably a lot of players do to try to win the Claret Jug because I’ve already won it and that takes a lot of pressure off me,” he said.

“I would love to add to it but having already done it was big.”

The left-hander’s round on Friday featured his first two bogeys of the week, at 12 and at 15, but there were four birdies.

Among those was a two at the short eighth, the Postage Stamp, when his tee shot almost spun in for a hole in one, finishing up just a few feet away.

Having cursed the ‘golf gods’ after his birdie putt at 18 on Thursday lipped out to deny him the first ever 62 in a major, he refused to do the same this time.

“No I just needed a little bit more sauce on it,” he joked, but he is hoping that there will be an American winner at Troon on Sunday.

Lahiri cruises India’s Anirban Lahiri made it into the weekend rounds after battling typical Scottish weather for a one-over-par 72 in the second round.

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